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The Healthy Chef Challenge
Presented by Meridian
The pressure is on for our annual Healthy Chef Challenge! Held at the stunning industrial private event space, Goose Island Barrel House, this culinary competition puts the skills of talented Chicago area chefs to the test! They will have a limited time to make a delicious and nutritious entree using items we offer at our food pantry. A crew of celebrity judges decides which chef does it best.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch the competition, eat, drink, and learn more about our expansive programming.
WHO IS IN THE COMPETITION?
We are thrilled to announce who will be taking part in the competition this year!
Chefs
Sieger Bayer - bar Berria
Jose Marquez - Piacere Mio (Forest Park & Uptown)
Emily Schneman - El Ideas
Judges
Greg Wade - Managing Partner, Publican Quality Bread
Phil Vettel - Acclaimed Restaurant Critic
Andrew Zimmerman - Culinary Strategist
ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO TASTE THE DELICIOUS DISHES
Your generosity could put you right at the center of the Healthy Chef Challenge. Donate for a chance to sit with our judges, taste the dishes from all three competing chefs, and be part of the fun and friendly deliberation process. It's an unforgettable experience, open to everyone-no experience needed, just a love for great food and community impact.
Because chefs share a kitchen and ingredients, we are unable to guarantee an allergen-free environment.
This is what last year's guest judge, Natalie Thompson said about the experience:
"Judging the Healthy Chef Challenge for Beyond Hunger was so fun! Sitting alongside respected food critics and sampling incredible dishes from very talented chefs felt like being on a TV cooking show. It added a whole new level of excitement to supporting such an important organization. The best part was that all it took was buying a raffle ticket before the event. Don't miss out on your chance to be a judge at this year's Healthy Chef Challenge!"
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Tips and tricks before coming to the 2026 Healthy Chef Challenge. Any additional information will be here as we get closer to the event.
Time
Valet Opens 6:45 PM
7 PM - Enjoy hors d'oeuvre, beer/wine/soft drinks
Location
Goose Island Barrel House is an industrial looking building located at 603 N. Sacramento Blvd. Chicago (see image of entrance below) Please make sure you go to the Goose Island Barrel House location not Tap House (check your GPS).
Parking
Goose Island Barrel House makes parking very easy by providing complimentary valet. If you are driving, we highly recommend you utilize valet the night of the event. There is no other parking immediately outside the venue. Otherwise we recommend rideshare options like Uber or Lyft.
Attire
Business casual
Become a Healthy Chef Sponsor
Interested in fighting local hunger and promoting your business? We have a variety of sponsorship packages available. See details below or contact Lauren with questions.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
2025 Healthy Chef Challenge Highlights
The 2025 challenge marked a historical year for this event, with over 221,000 meals being raised! We were especially thankful to have a renowned group of competing chefs and participating judges to make Healthy Chef even more memorable.
2025 Competing chefs:
Greg Wade (Managing Partner, Publican Quality Bread) - 2025 Healthy Chef Challenge Winner
Cesar Murillo (Executive Chef, North Pond)
Javauneeka Jacobs (Sous Chef, Frontera Grill)
2025 Participating Judges:
David Manilow, Creator and Executive Producer of Check, Please!
Monica Eng, Axios Chicago Reporter
Chef James Roth, Culinary Instructor and Certified Executive Chef
Natalie Thompson, Tasting Seat Winner
